es

Flowery, with a nice mix of sweetness, dried apricots and vanilla. Flavors of banana, papaya and apple dominate a textured, modestly rich palate. Remelluri blends about a half-dozen grapes together for its white Rioja, and the result is smooth, albeit not overly powerful.

cl

The bouquet offers a strong blast of toasty oak along with apple, lemon and mango. This is no weak wine; in fact, it hits maximum overdrive in terms of zesty fruit and raw power. A full-force experience, with subtlety not really coming into play.

pt

This seems lighter in weight than expected, despite an impressively dark, saturated color. Lots of cherries and dried spices on the palate, along with aromas of walnuts and smoked meat. Passing through some middle-age disturbances, as C?rte-Real said, or just very good Port, not great? Hold.

fr

More harmonious at this stage than the property's Les Choregies luxury cuv e, this wine's supple black cherry and dark chocolate flavors are framed by earthy, leathery notes that culiminate in a complex finish of coffee, earth and juicy fruit.

US

An interesting Pinot, although it's young, in terms of both vine and bottle age. Seems like a work in progress, with its lush, ripe black cherry flavors and wonderfully crisp acidity. Well oaked, too. But the tannins are tough and astringent.

za

All the potentially challenging notes Pinotage can present are well tamed in this carefully crafted wine. The nose of dark red fruit and smoke opens to a solid fruit core and that's what it's all about, isn't it? This handsome blend of physical and intellectual winemaking closes long and even, with firm, even tannins. Drink now through 2010.

za

Cassis, leather, spice and faint creamy notes open this nicely balanced claret-like red. The dry cherry, licorice and earth palate, very even tannins, and lingering finish offer plenty of appeal, and it's built to be consumed within the next few years.

pt

This great quinta is owned by the Ferreira family and was the former home of the legendary table wine, Barca Velha. This 2001 is a great example of the power of the wines from this sun-baked vineyard. Young black fruits are balanced with perfumes and tarry flavors. It's dark, intense and likely to be long lasting.

es

Who knew that crisp, varietally correct Sauvignon Blanc was being made on the plains of central es? The nose deals pine and bell pepper, while the palate is zippy and zesty, but filled with apple and banana flavors. A tangy, precise finish with tangerine notes is the final act.

cl

Big and forward, with spicy, pungent aromas and also a softening hint of bread dough. The palate features snappy red fruit with drying oak in support. The tannic structure holds its own but doesn't rise up too much. A weighty, driving wine.

cl

Almost gold, with a bright yellow luster. The nose is round and full, with a clear smokiness that isn't too heavy. Quite modern in style, with rich pear and apple flavors. The '02 version is significantly less oaky than previous Alpha Chardonnays.

cl

Aromas of earth, bacon fat and toasty oak lead the wine toward a snappy, young palate that pours on the red fruit, spice and tannins. The finish, however, is a bit more complex, as vanilla cookies and cocoa do an attractive little dance.

fr

Serious tannins and dense black fruits make this anything but a simple C?tes-du-Rh?ne. It has long-lived flavors of dark fruits and intense herbs, alongside considerable elegance.

fr

A 100% Marsanne wine, which was vinified and aged in wood for one year. Although the wood is certainly present, the oily, fat fruit is also a powerful element, giving richness and flavors of white peaches.

fr

A wine that is made from 100% Grenache, giving intense herbal aromas and concentrated, solid fruit. For a C?tes-du-Rh?ne, this is a big, powerful wine.

es

This is a new wine made by Alejandro Fernandez of Pesquera in Ribera del Duero. It's clear, defined and ripe, with earthy, spicy undercurrents supporting potent blackberry fruit. The chewy, deep palate is solid and saturated, leading into a coffee-tinged finish that carries echoes of chocolate. The tannins get larger with each passing minute; drink this with food.

cl

Packed with vanilla and oak this wine boasts a wonderful body and a great feel. It was 35% barrel fermented, and yet it still pops with acidity and fresh fruit. Touches of popcorn and creaminess are detectable, but neither detracts from the main act.

fr

Delas has made a Vacqueyras from the 61-acre Domaine des Genets since 1990, and the alluvial soil of the estate gives deep, plummy fruit with rich tannins and a fine layer of acidity. It is not a heavyweight, but is fine and elegant.

US

A unique interpretation of a unique varietal in California, this wine brims with the aromas of apricots, orange blossoms, peaches and buttery vanilla. You expect it to explode in sweetness in the mouth, but it doesn't. It is very dry and intense, and very tart with acidity, so that after the initial shock wears off, you find yourself savoring it, right through the long finish.

es

Broad-shouldered and bold, but like all Guelbenzu wines, it applies the brakes where necessary. Herbal, terroir-driven characteristics pop up in between the red berry, plum and oak flavors, giving it some boost and nuance. And it gets better with airing, as it delivers coffee and buttery oak at the end.